Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 7:55

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He mentions the cause of his angelic appearance: "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." And in this manner He appeared to him: that, were it but so, the Jews might receive Him: for since the idea of His sitting at the right hand of God was offensive to them, for the present he brings forward only what relates to His Resurrection. This is the reason also why his face was glorified. …

Homily on Acts 18 ↗

Theodoret of Cyrus

The divine nature is invisible, but the thrice blessed Stephen said that he saw the Lord, so even after the resurrection the Lord's body is a body, and it was seen by the victorious Stephen, since the divine nature cannot be seen.

Dialogue (Demonstrations By Syllogisms) 11 ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

We must consider what it means that Mark says: He sits at the right hand of God; while Stephen says: I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God. What does it mean that Mark testifies he is sitting, while Stephen testifies that he saw him standing? But you know, brothers, that sitting belongs to one who judges, while standing belongs to one who fights or helps. …

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 29 ↗